What is lovastatin and niacin (Advicor)?

Niacin, also called nicotinic acid, is a B vitamin (vitamin B3). It occurs naturally in plants and animals, and is also added to many foods as a vitamin supplement. Niacin is also present in many multivitamins and nutritional supplements.

Lovastatin is in a group of drugs called HMG CoA reductase inhibitors, or "statins." Lovastatin reduces levels of "bad" cholesterol (low-density lipoprotein, or LDL) and triglycerides in the blood, while increasing levels of "good" cholesterol (high-density lipoprotein, or HDL).

The combination of lovastatin and niacin is used to lower cholesterol and triglycerides (types of fat) in the blood.

Lovastatin and niacin may also be used for other purposes not listed in this medication guide.

Advicor 1000 mg-20 mg-ABB

oval, pink, imprinted with a 1002

Advicor 1000 mg-40 mg-ABB

oval, brown, imprinted with a 1004

Advicor 20 mg-1000 mg

oblong, pink, imprinted with KOS, 1002

Advicor 20 mg-500 mg

oblong, yellow, imprinted with KOS, 502

Advicor 500 mg-20 mg-ABB

capsule, yellow, imprinted with a 502

Advicor 750 mg-20 mg-ABB

oval, orange, imprinted with a 752

What are the possible side effects of lovastatin and niacin (Advicor)?

Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Stop taking this medicine and call your doctor at once if you a serious side effect such as:

What is the most important information I should know about lovastatin and niacin (Advicor)?

You should not take this medication if you are allergic to niacin (Niaspan, Niacor, and others) or lovastatin (Altoprev, Mevacor), if you are pregnant or breast-feeding, or if you have liver disease, severe bleeding, or a stomach ulcer.

Stop taking this medication and tell your doctor right away if you become pregnant.

Before taking lovastatin and niacin, tell your doctor if you have ever had liver or kidney disease, heart disease, diabetes, gout, or a thyroid disorder, if you have recently had a heart attack, or if you drink more than 2 alcoholic beverages daily.

In rare cases, lovastatin can cause a condition that results in the breakdown of skeletal muscle tissue, leading to kidney failure. Call your doctor right away if you have unexplained muscle pain, tenderness, or weakness especially if you also have fever, unusual tiredness, and dark colored urine.

There are many other drugs that can increase your risk of serious medical problems if you take them together with lovastatin and niacin. Tell your doctor about all medications you use. Keep a list of all your medicines and show it to any healthcare provider who treats you.